Why is it called Islamorada?

First sighting by the Spanish in 1513. They gave the area its name, which means Purple Isle. This incorporated village is a popular destination for Florida Keys vacations as it encompasses Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Lignumvitae Key and Indian Key.



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Legend has it the area was named by Spanish explorers who, upon seeing the purple sky at sunset and the purple bougainvillea, called it “isla morado” or purple island. Islamorada is known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World. And recently the island was named one of the 17 most romantic destinations in the U.S.

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The term “key” comes from the Spanish word, “cayo” which translates to “small island.” Most of the sand in Key West's beaches isn't natural, but was shipped in from the Caribbean.

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Islamorada, a village of six islands just 90 minutes south of Miami, is a paradise your family will love to explore by land and by sea. Islamorada is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, and hosts the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world.

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Notable residents include Miguel Cabrera, Gene Hackman, Jimmy Johnson, and Ted Williams. If you think the area looks familiar, you may recognize it from the TV show Bloodline which was filmed in Islamorada.

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Bloodline is family-drama series that takes place in Islamorada, Florida. It was the perfect location to film the lavish and glamorous lives of the Rayburns who have spent their whole life on the keys of Florida where the vast shoreline is surrounded by the ocean on one side and the gulf on the other.

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The 7 Best Islands In the Florida Keys, Florida
  • Key West. Key West is one of the most coveted places for beach holidays in the Florida Keys. ...
  • Little Torch Key. This Florida Key is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States. ...
  • Big Pine Key. ...
  • Key Largo. ...
  • Long Key. ...
  • Duck Key. ...
  • Marathon Key.


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You see, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys are coral islands – former reefs, created when the ocean was deeper and the region was submerged below the sea. Today, the ocean is shallower and the living coral reefs are six miles offshore, providing a barrier to waves and swells.

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Sombrero Beach, Marathon Sombrero ranks at the top of the list of best beaches in the Florida Keys. In fact, in 2023 Sombrero was the only South Florida beach to make the “best beaches in the US” list on TripAdvisor.

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Key Largo is better for vacationing families and couples while Islamorada is better for enthusiastic fishermen and scuba divers.

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The village is spread across six islands (or “keys”) but the walking tour is concentrated on a one-mile stretch of Upper Matecumbe Key along U.S. 1, which ties the keys together and leads to Key West, the southernmost point of the U.S.

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Beach Hours This beach has little to no wave action and offers a shallow swimming area great for young children and dogs. Anne's Beach also features a paved parking area, a boardwalk, covered picnic tables, and public restrooms. Swim at your own risk. Dogs permitted; must be leashed.

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A true taste of paradise, the area is famed for its beautiful coastline, crystal clear water, and tropical climate.

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This mass bleaching event has made an already bad situation worse. Well before summer, the area of healthy reefs in the Florida Keys had already declined by 90 percent, due to past heat waves, diseases, ocean acidification, and other threats. The majority of Florida's reefs that remain, meanwhile, are eroding.

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Big Pine Key is where to stay in the Florida Keys for a quieter experience, surrounded by nature and wildlife. It is best for travelers who are looking for nature, not nightlife.

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Dry Tortugas National Park is a sparkling gem in the Florida Keys. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, and accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is made up of seven small islands and 100 square miles of crystal clear waters, dreamy coral reefs, and lush gardens.

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14 Key West This small island at the tip of the Florida Keys offers a genuinely Caribbean feel with its pastel-colored historic buildings, outdoor cafés, lively nightlife, and vibrant culture. There's plenty to do here, from kayaking and snorkeling to exploring nearby coral reefs or going on a boat tour.

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